Waste Management: A Two-Sided Coin of Environmental Concerns and Remedies
In a recent video published by Referencing Hub media, experts discussed the role of plastic recycling in addressing the plastics problem. Mike Sammons, one of the panellists, emphasised the importance of reducing packaging as a key solution and pointed to the plastic bag action as an example of consumer adaptation to reduced packaging.
Dame Juliet Gerrard, another panellist, did not explicitly state her viewpoint on the effectiveness of recycling in dealing with the plastic problem, but suggested it is a part of the solution. She clarified that Mike Sammons was not completely wrong, as recycling is both part of the problem and part of the solution.
Mike Sammons further suggested that if packaging is necessary, it should be renewable, and if not renewable, it should be recyclable and reused in a circular solution. Sharon Humphreys, another panellist, agreed, stating that eliminating unnecessary packaging is important in addressing the plastic pollution issue. She also noted that while plastic packaging is technically recyclable, the capacity and capability to recycle it is a challenge for the entire world.
Plastic recycling is indeed a critical component of reducing plastic pollution, but it faces significant challenges that limit its overall effectiveness. Recycling plastic saves up to 84% of the energy compared to making new plastics from raw materials, which reduces greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels[5]. Many companies and governments promote recycling to minimize plastic waste, improve collection and sorting processes, and increase recycled content in packaging[2][4]. Innovative systems to enhance material purity and consumer education are key to making recycling more effective[4].
However, plastic recycling is complicated by contamination issues, fluctuating markets for recycled materials, and the fact that plastics do not fully degrade but break down into micro- and nanoplastics that persist in the environment[1][4]. Incomplete recycling and poor sorting quality mean recycled plastics are often of lower quality and can still contribute to pollution[4]. Additionally, plastics contain thousands of chemicals of concern that can harm human health and ecosystems even after recycling, as microplastics and chemical additives remain problematic[3].
Dame Juliet Gerrard asserted that plastic recycling will never form a circular solution, but instead create a downward spiral. Sharon Humphreys concurred, stating that plastic packaging has a long life and is efficient, but not good for the environment if it's intended to degrade quickly. Kim Hill, another panellist, questioned whether Mike Sammons was incorrect in his statement about recycling forming a circular solution.
In conclusion, while plastic recycling plays a crucial role in reducing plastic pollution, it is not a complete solution. It must be combined with reducing single-use plastics, improving producer responsibility, developing alternative materials, and global efforts to enhance waste infrastructure[1][2]. The ongoing development of policies and treaties also aims to address the broader environmental and health risks posed by plastics comprehensively[3].
- Environmental science and climate-change studies highlight that plastic recycling, while offering energy savings and reduced greenhouse gas emissions, faces numerous challenges that limit its overall effectiveness in establishing a circular solution.
- In the realm of the lifestyle and home-and-garden sectors, promoting sustainable living entails reducing single-use plastic consumption, improving producer responsibility, and global efforts to enhance waste infrastructure for a comprehensive solution to plastic pollution.
- Dame Juliet Gerrard and Sharon Humphreys, both experts in environmental-science, believe that plastic recycling may create a downward spiral rather than a circular solution and advocate for the development of alternative materials to truly address plastic pollution.
